‘Raazi’ which in English means ‘Agree’ is this Friday release Indian Spy thriller film set on the backdrop of 1971 Indo- Pak war. Having directed some sensible films like ‘Filhaal’,’ Just Married’,’Dus Kahaniyaan’ & ‘Talwar’ in the past, Meghana Gulzar returns as a director with this brilliantly presented film, which captures the attention of the audience from beginning till end. Most inspiring thing about this film is that it reminds every Indian that ‘Love for the country’ always comes first.
The story of ‘Raaz’ revolves around a 20 year old Muslim kashmiri girl Sehmat Khan( Aaliya Bhat) , who has to give up her studies in Delhi and return to her native place to fulfil the wish of her ailing father Hidayat Khan( Rajit Kapoor) . Sehmat has been brought up in a family, where love for the nation comes first. So, to make her father happy, Sehmat agrees to work as young Indian spy in Pakistan. So, the stage is set for her marriage with Pakistani Army Officer (Vicky Kaushal), whose father Brig Sayed of Pakistani Army ( Shishir Sharma) and Sehmat’s father are good friends.
Being a very risky mission, Sehmat is extensively trained by Khalid Mir( Jaideep Ahlawat)working for Intelligence Bureau. When Sehmat lands in Pakistan, all seems to be going well, as the atmosphere in the house is very cordial except for an old loyal servant ( Arif Zakharia), who is very suspicious about Sehat’s arrival in the family. How Sehmat removes every hurdle in her way and succeeds in passing the most important secret information about the planned attack from Pakistan on Indian Naval Ship through sea route via sub marine. However, towards the climax she turns emotional . The entire film has been shot very cleverly, keeping in mind the characteristics of every important character. And, Aaliya Bhat stands tall with her superb performance in the lead role.
The director has extracted the best emotions out of her, through every scene. And, she finds good support from all the important characters in this film, with whom she interacts. Be it her father, mother( Soni Razdan) , husband, sister in law( played by Marathi actress Amruta Khanvilkar) , brother in law(Ashwath Bhatt), father in law and of course her trainer and Boss Khalid Mir. The screenplay has been executed so well that it generates curiosity among the audience, as to what would happen next. Cinematography is excellent, both outdoors and indoors and music is very apt for the subject of the film. Certainly a worth watch film for lovers of the film who enjoy gripping spy thrillers, without the traditional James Bond style of fights and action sequences . Last but not the least, Meghna Gulzar has given an excellent emotional touch to this gripping spy thriller.
Rating ( ****)